Kidnapped priest released in Syria
January 05, 2016
A Catholic priest who was abducted in Syria on December 23 has been released.
Father Dhiya Azziz, who was seized as he returned to his parish in Yakubiya after visiting relatives in Turkey, was set free on Monday evening, January 4. In announcing his release, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land declined to provide any details, citing “confidentiality reasons.”
Earlier, Church spokesmen had said that Father Azziz was likely being held by an Islamic rebel group. His parish is situated in an area held by rebels. In fact Father Azziz had been kidnapped previously, in July, and held briefly by Islamic militants before he managed to escape.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Franciscan Dhiya Azziz released (Fides)
- Abducted Franciscan priest Azziz released (ANSA)
- No news on priest kidnapped in Syria for 2nd time (CWN, 1/4)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
